Sarah Jane Engler

Former Durango resident Sarah Jane Engler died Tuesday, May 1, 2012, in Albuquerque. She was 81.

Known as “Jane,” she was born to Titus and Maude Furr on April 14, 1931, in McKinney, Texas. She grew up in Durango and graduated from Durango High School in 1948.

After earning a teaching degree in 1952 from Colorado State College of Education, now the University of Northern Colorado, in Greeley, she married her high school sweetheart, Edward Joseph Engler.

Mr. Engler was in the Army during the Korean War, and the young couple began their married life in Alaska before returning to Durango. The Englers owned a greenhouse on East Second Avenue. They had eight children during a 10-year period.

In 1960, the Engler family moved to Albuquerque, where they opened another greenhouse nursery business. In 1973, Mrs. Engler opened Friendly Crafts in the South Valley.

She became an “icon in the community,” her family said, and was known for her cart at the New Mexico State Fair, where she sold silk roses.

In addition to it being her business, Mrs. Engler also enjoyed doing crafts in her spare time.

Mrs. Engler was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Joe Engler; and son William “Bill” Engler.

She is survived by her children Connie Carnes and Brenda Enochs, both of Albuquerque, Rick Engler of Los Lunas, N.M., Diana Dunn of Edgewood, N.M., Mark Engler of Cedar City, Utah, Steve Engler of Phoenix and Phil Engler of New York City; 13 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.